Airline stopover flights: A complete guide to maximizing your flight itinerary
Editor's Note
Want to explore new places without spending extra? That's what airline stopover programs are all about.
Picture this: You're on your way to a far-off destination with Qatar Airways or Emirates. You have a layover in a place like Doha or Dubai. Instead of waiting at the airport, you can step out and see the city. And guess what? It might not even cost you much, thanks to these cool stopover deals that airlines offer.
You could be wandering the streets of Doha today and then off to Bangkok tomorrow. Or, maybe you're soaking up Lisbon, Portugal's vibes before heading to Accra, Ghana. Have you ever considered visiting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on your way to one of South Africa's cities or national parks? These programs can unlock that kind of adventure.
Why are they great? First off, they're a bargain. You're essentially getting two trips for the price of one. Plus, airlines win, too. They get more tourists to their home cities and bet on you loving it so much that you'll come back for more.
Thinking of a two-for-one travel hack? You're in the right spot. We've put together a no-fuss guide on airline stopover programs, focusing on the deals for paid tickets. If you're using points or miles, don't worry — there's a guide for that, too.
Copa Airlines
Through the new Panama stopover option, Copa Airlines passengers can spend between 24 hours and seven days in the nation's capital, Panama City. While there's no extra charge to book a Panama stopover, you'll still need to cover some expenses, like an overnight hotel, if needed.
Fortunately, hotels are heavily discounted, and you can select the tour itinerary that most appeals to you on the stopover website. I, for one, like the Panama City and Beach tour, which includes six nights split across two high-end hotels. This tour covers all food and drinks, transportation and hotels for $1,242 per person.
Related: Meet Hotel La Compania, Hyatt's historic hit in Panama City
Emirates
If you're flying Emirates, why not take the opportunity to explore the United Arab Emirates for a few extra days along the way?
To take advantage of the airline's Dubai Stopover program, use the advanced search feature on the airline's website and ensure you have built a stopover into your itinerary. You can do this by building a multicity itinerary with a stop in Dubai.
After booking, contact your local Emirates office for assistance reserving a stopover package, which can include add-ons like a room at one of over 100 partner hotels, transportation, meals, visa arrangements (Emirates can help with 96-hour or 30-day visas) and tourism activities.
You can also visit the airline's Hotels & Visas desk at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport (DXB). All arrangements come at an added cost but might still be worthwhile since the airline does all the legwork for you and has secured special rates for its customers.
Etihad Airways
Etihad currently offers two different stopover options in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
After booking a multicity itinerary with a stopover of at least 24 hours that does not originate or terminate in Abu Dhabi, you can use your booking number to enjoy discounted rates at top hotels in the area.
The duration of each stopover is capped at a 24-hour stay. Depending on the flight itinerary, a maximum of two nights can be booked under this offer. Reserve either a free one-night stay or a discounted stay of up to six nights at one of over 20 premium hotels. These include the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl.
Alternatively, you can opt for a one- or two-night stay at one of over 10 other lower-priced properties. The airline also provides discounts on activities and tours.
Ethiopian Airlines
Transit times through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia can be long. So, if your layover is between eight and 24 hours, Ethiopian Airlines will arrange a complimentary hotel stay and airport transfers, provided you have the necessary visa or are eligible for a transit visa upon arrival, which the airline will facilitate.
Finnair
Take in the northern lights and some art nouveau architecture with a stopover of up to five days when traveling through Helsinki Airport (HEL) on Finnair.
You'll have to pay for your own accommodations and activities, but your ticket shouldn't cost more when adding extra time in the city. The airline partners with Visit Finland to provide stopover travel inspiration, accommodations, tour packages and more.
Iberia
Iberia's Hola Madrid stopover program allows passengers to spend between one and six nights in Madrid at no extra charge. You can also obtain discounts on hotel stays with Melia, airport transfers, entrance to museums such as the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and a two-day complimentary transport card.
Related: How to book Iberia flights to Spain (and beyond) using Avios
Icelandair
A lot of airlines have added Iceland service, making it easy to connect through Keflavik Airport (KEF) from the U.S. to other points in Europe. So, you might want to check out Icelandair's stopover program, which is considered the pioneer of airline stopover packages.
You can stay for one to seven nights at no added ticket cost. When booking, select the stopover option and how many days you'd like to spend exploring the land of fire and ice (up to one week). For inspiration on what to do during your stopover, check out Iceland Travel, where you can view various excursions and activities.
Related: These are the best times to visit Iceland
Oman Air
Fly Oman Air via its home airport of Muscat International Airport (MCT) between international destinations — the airline doesn't fly to the U.S. — and you may be eligible to book a stopover of two or three nights with one night free at partner hotels through Oman Air Holidays.
There are a few terms and conditions to be aware of, such as booking a round-trip international itinerary, but the stipulations aren't too complicated.
Qatar Airways
Although you'll need to check some of the blackout dates, Qatar Airways offers serious discounts on stopover packages, including hotels, meals, city tours and activities, for passengers transiting through Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH).
You can even book themed packages, such as a beach vacation and a luxury trip with a private desert safari. You can book a ticket with a stopover using this page on Qatar Airways' website.
Swiss
Stay from one to four nights in Switzerland with the Stopover Switzerland program. First, book your multicity itinerary through Swiss' Stopover Switzerland booking portal, then select your travel package for the number of nights you'll stay.
Packages are bundled by cities and categories like "luxury," "taste of Switzerland" and "best of Switzerland," with pricing that starts at 180 Swiss francs ($185). The arrangements include accommodations and free public transportation across Switzerland, plus a passbook with over 100 discounts on attractions, mountain trains, dining and more.
TAP Air Portugal
Stay in Lisbon or Porto for up to five days at no additional charge during a stopover in Portugal. Start by seeing if your flight is eligible for a stopover. If it is, select which city you'd like to visit, then choose whether you'd like to schedule your visit during your inbound or outbound journey and specify how long you'll stay.
Once your stopover is booked, you can use TAP Air Portugal's mobile app for discounts on hotels and attractions, travel inspiration, guides and more.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines offers one of the best stopover programs out there. Business-class passengers with a stopover of 20 hours or more can stay in a luxury hotel in Turkey for up to two days. Economy-class passengers can stay at a slightly more affordable hotel for one day. Your stopover must be longer than 20 hours to qualify for a free hotel room.
Once you've reserved your flights, send an email (find the right email address based on the destination here) — including your name, reservation code or ticket number, dates needed for accommodations, preferred room type (single, double or triple), telephone number and email address — at least 72 hours before your first flight.
If your stopover is between six and 24 hours, you can explore Istanbul with a free city tour, including bus transportation and meals. You don't need to reserve ahead of time. Just head to the Touristanbul desk upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) to register. For more information on the different tours offered, go to the airline's Touristanbul page. As always, make sure to check visa requirements before traveling.
Related: How to spend 1 day in Istanbul
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is considered one of the world's most stopover-friendly airlines. Passengers with layovers in Tokyo, Osaka or other major cities can take advantage of the airline's stopover program to explore Japan's seemingly limitless wondrous sites.
To arrange your stopover, simply book a multicity itinerary and ensure your layover meets the minimum duration requirements. Travelers can also use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to visit over 30 cities across Japan.
Once you've finalized your flights, you can contact Japan Airlines customer service to inquire about available stopover packages, which may include discounted hotel stays, transportation and sightseeing tours.
Related: The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles
Qantas
Qantas, Australia's flagship carrier, provides stopover opportunities for passengers traveling through major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Whether you're en route to another international destination or returning home, you can extend your layover to explore iconic Australian landmarks, vibrant cities or picturesque landscapes.
To incorporate a stopover into your itinerary, select the multicity booking option when arranging your flights on the Qantas website.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers stopover programs for travelers passing through Toronto and other major cities. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, you can extend your layover to discover the wonder and excitement of Canada's greatest attractions. The length of stay in your stopover city must be at least 24 hours and no more than 45 days. If you're booking a stopover in Toronto, you can get up to seven days on your way to Europe or Asia at no extra cost.
Choose the multicity booking option on the Air Canada website when planning your flights to include a stopover in your itinerary.
Related: 5 small Canadian cities you can use points and miles to visit this year
Air France and KLM
Air France and KLM, two prominent members of the SkyTeam alliance, provide stopover opportunities for passengers traveling through their hub cities like Paris and Amsterdam. Plus, if you're a Flying Blue rewards member, you can book an award ticket that includes a complimentary stopover.
To arrange a stopover, select the multicity booking option on the Air France or KLM website.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offers stopover options for passengers transiting through Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), one of the world's most renowned airports. Whether you're traveling to or from destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe or the Americas, you can extend your layover to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Singapore.
Singapore Airlines offers one free stopover on a round-trip Saver Award, such as a flight from Australia to New York with a stopover in Singapore. For one-way Advantage awards, travelers can add one complimentary stopover. For round-trip Advantage awards, travelers can add two complimentary stopovers. Additional stopovers (up to three per award ticket) can be added for $100 each. Stopovers can only be added online if the route is eligible.
Select the multicity booking option on the Singapore Airlines website to arrange a stopover.
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Royal Jordanian Airlines offers a generous stopover program to explore the magical sites of Jordan. Whether you're traveling to the Middle East or connecting to other destinations, you can extend your stay to discover the historical sites, natural wonders and cultural treasures of Jordan.
Pick the multicity booking option when reserving your flights on the Royal Jordanian Airlines website to incorporate a stopover in your itinerary.
Bottom line
Building a stopover into your itinerary is a great cost-effective way to see another country or city during your trip. Luckily, many airlines and tourism boards are more than happy to help travelers make the most of even a short time on the ground to explore a new destination and hopefully pique their interest in another visit.
Even if your airline doesn't publish or promote a stopover program of its own, you can always explore your options by performing multicity searches and pricing out tickets before making your own hotel and transportation arrangements. If in doubt, you can always call the airline to ask what your choices might be.
Hawaiian Airlines, for instance, lets travelers flying to or from the airline's nine international destinations enjoy a free stopover in Honolulu on each leg, whether outbound or return. The only stipulation is that travelers must use the multicity option when booking on Hawaiian's website. So, you might have more opportunities to see another part of the world on your next vacation thank you think.
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